Alex Ruben
Reactivating Windows 11 After a Hardware Change: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve recently changed your computer’s hardware and find that your Windows 11 license is deactivated, this guide will help you reactivate it. You’ll learn how to use the activation troubleshooter and other methods to restore your Windows license after hardware changes, including motherboard, hard drive, or processor upgrades.
Step 1: Install Windows Normally
Begin by installing Windows 11 as you normally would. When prompted to enter a product key during installation, simply skip this part. After installation, Windows may attempt to activate itself but will likely fail, resulting in a notification indicating that your version of Windows is non-genuine.
Step 2: Use the Activation Troubleshooter
To use the Activation troubleshooter, follow these steps if you have a digital license:
- Add your Microsoft account to Windows and link it to the digital license on your device.
- Open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
- Click on Activation, then select Troubleshoot.
- When the troubleshooter opens, select I changed hardware on this device recently, then click Next.
- Log in with your connected Microsoft account by entering your account details, then click Sign in.
- From the list of devices associated with your account, select the device you are currently using and click Activate.
Step 3: Additional Options if You Don’t Have a Digital License
If you do not have a digital license or product key, you will need to purchase a Windows digital license from the Microsoft Store following the installation.
Step 4: Transferring Your Windows License to a New Computer
If you changed your computer entirely and wish to transfer your Windows license:
- Uninstall the Windows Product Key from the old computer by following the guide linked below.
- On the new computer, install Windows and use the same Product Key to activate it.
- If activation problems arise, choose to activate by phone.
- If issues persist, contact Microsoft Support to explain your situation. The support agent will verify your Windows Product Key and provide an ID for activating Windows on the new device.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some tips that might ease the process:
- Keep your Microsoft account credentials handy for the activation process.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable, as this may affect activation success.
- If you encounter issues with the troubleshooter, try restarting your device and running it again.
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Entering the wrong Microsoft account details during the sign-in process.
- Skipping the troubleshooting step before trying other activation methods.
By following these steps, you should be able to reactivate your Windows license after significant hardware changes successfully.
Conclusion
In summary, changing hardware can temporarily disrupt your Windows activation, but using the Activation troubleshooter and understanding your licensing options can help you regain access. If you encounter difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support. For further assistance, consider checking out additional guides that may pertain to your situation.
